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Westfield Legion Continues Hometown Heroes Banners

Pictured is one of the banners hanging in Westfield to honor a military veteran. Submitted Photo

WESTFIELD — The village of Westfield has a special way of honoring veterans and active-duty military members. With banners displayed throughout the village to honor members with a local connection, it’s easy to see how much the community supports its military, past or present.

Because of a positive response, the Westfield American Legion is continuing its Hometown Heroes banner program after such a successful first year.

Last year, Adjutant Janet Snow started the program with a banner to honor the founder of the Westfield American Legion Post 327, John W. Rogers. From that point, more than 100 banners of different military members were displayed throughout Westfield through American Legion Post 327 over the following months.

Of the 106 banners made and displayed throughout the year, all members had some tie to the Westfield community.

“I’ve had nothing but positive responses from anyone I’ve talked to,” said Snow of the Westfield community support. “I think the people want the people remembered. They want them honored … and I want them honored, both veterans and active-duty members.”

The program is for all veterans with a family connection to Westfield who have served or are currently active-duty service members.

The banners go up before Memorial Day, then remain hanging until shortly after Veterans Day. As long as the banners remain in good condition, they will go back up the following year.

After the success of last year’s launch of the program, more than a dozen others have reached out already to have banners made for next year.

“I’ve got a lot of people who missed it last year who are reaching out now,” Snow said. She noted people from all over the country with a tie to Westfield have reached out with interest.

Applications will be available to submit on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 until Jan. 31, 2023. Applications are available in person at Eason Hall in Westfield and at the Westfield American Legion and online, as well.

For more information, contact the American Legion Post 327 at (716) 326-3924.

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